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Chemical magic transforms skin cells into nerve cells

Small-molecule drugs provide simpler alternative to genes delivered by viruses

CHEMICAL COCKTAIL  Adult skin cells begin to transform into neurons (blue circles with colorful tendrils) just a week after being dosed with seven small-molecule drugs.

Courtesy of Gang Pei and Jian Zhao 

By Meghan Rosen

- More than 2 years ago

In a feat of biological wizardry worthy of Harry Potter, scientists have transformed skin cells into nerve cells — no magic wand required.